Real estate tycoon George Wong dies at age 65

George Wong, whose Parkview Group owns Parkview Square (right), died in his sleep on Dec 2, 2017.

Lianhe Zaobao, The Straits Times

The group chairman of Parkview Group and one of Hong Kong’s richest men, George Wong, has died at the age of 65.

A spokesperson for Parkview Group’s Atlas bar in Singapore said on Tuesday (Dec 5) that Wong died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday (Dec 2).

In 2013, Wong was named by Forbes as the 39th richest person Hong Kong with a wealth of $1.09 billion.

Wong was the eldest son of late construction mogul and founder of Chyau Fwu Group, CS Hwang.

“Following his sudden death, the Hwang family will be observing a 49 day mourning period, resulting in the cancellation of this year’s New Year festivities at Atlas,” the spokesperson said.

Atlas is considered one of Asia’s best bars, and is located in the iconic Parkview Square, which was built by Wong’s Chyau Fwu Group.

Atlas Bar

The Business Times

An avid art collector known for his huge collection of contemporary Chinese artworks, Wong also famously held the largest collection of Salvador Dali paintings outside of Spain.

Just this year, he launched the 15,000 square feet Parkview Museum Singapore on the third floor of his family’s Parkview Square.

In an interview with The Business Times in March, Wong said that he did not know how many artworks he had, but admitted that “I must have tens of thousands – so many, in fact, that curators told me I should hold exhibitions so these works can be shared with other people”.

He also said that he frequented art auctions and enjoyed the thrill of outbidding others for works he really loved.

“I’m amazed at the history of art. There’s so much to learn and so much to get lost in . . . And I think, after years of working hard, I now have a bit of money to spoil myself by buying art I like,” he was quoted as saying.